Generator engines 9HP

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LOS

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I had asked a question on another site and i got this answer, but im sure its not true because my generator engine has a throttle on the carb that revs up when you move it.

(Please read and tell me if it is true or false)


The problem with using an engine off of a generator is that it probably is not designed to have much of an rpm range. Generators run at the same rpm all the time, and that rpm is usually pretty low. While he engine will have ample power, it may not be able to spin FAST enough to throw out the shoes in the clutch, and if it does it may not make for a fast go cart. You may just end up with a very slow, but extremely powerful cart that can pull alot of weight up a steep hill.
Like a powerful tractor
 
Russ2251

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I might add that, for the most part, we have removed our governors in order to get more speed.
My engines were originally designed to run at 3k RPM.
I have more than doubled that limit by removing governor.
Also, I think it's a very bad idea to weld anything to the PTO.
 
redsox985

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Aren't generators quite often the same engine with a different PTO?
 
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I've converted a few generator engines for kart use so I'll tell you what your going to need to do.
  1. You'll have to replace the crank shaft
    Most generators have a tapered shaft, and I've found in most cases, it's just as cheep to replace the crank than have it turned and keyed,
  2. You'll have to replace the carb.
    Most generator engine carbs do not have an idle jet, they were meant to be run at full throttle so low idle jet and passage ways weren't needed.
Good news is most have industrial model counterparts, and if you dig around the parts breakdown for different type numbers for that particular model you'll find part numbers for your replacement parts your looking for.
 
Russ2251

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Aren't generators quite often the same engine with a different PTO?
Click to expand...
Yes, as it is not cost effective to produce different engines for different applications.
I cannot understand why tapered shafts are used in the first place.
Have small engine manufacturers not figured out a way to adapt straight keyed shafts to drive a generator power head?
 
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Russ2251 said:
Yes, as it is not cost effective to produce different engines for different applications.
I cannot understand why tapered shafts are used in the first place.
Have small engine manufacturers not figured out a way to adapt straight keyed shafts to drive a generator power head?
Click to expand...

To make you pay more money that's why, besides the taper works better when spinning the rotor for the generator, less weight, less crap to fall apart inside the stator, and are easier to precision balance than that of a keyed shaft.
 
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Russ2251 said:
To be blunt...pure, unadulterated BULLSHIRT.
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Your entitled to your opinion albeit skewed, you are entitled to believe what ever you like, I've spoke to several generator manufacturers, and Briggs and Honda and they have all told me the same thing, so before you began trying to be argumentative, be sure you know what your talking about, and be ready to back it with some degree of logic.
 
r_chez_08

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I can see a keyed shaft being not balamced due to the keyway, but that balancing shows no problem spinning 10k on a racing clone, so why should it be a problem spinning 3.6k on a genny motor?
 
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Because the rotor that fits inside the stator for a generator has to remain perfectly centered at extremely close tolerances, any deviations from those tolerances, due to misalignment, or balance would cause the rotor to hit the stator and that would be all she wrote.

Also think about it, how much torque would be needed to spin a 20lb-30lb balanced rotor? not much?
Its not like your putting a clutch on it and asking it to pull 200 lbs of you and a cart, or to spin the tines of a tiller or auger of a snow blower where the extra strength at the PTO would be paramount.

And it is cheaper, easier, and from the standpoint of what they are using the engine for makes more since.

When using a taper shaft and taper cup assembly there is no way possible for the rotor to ever slide up and down, or side to side on the shaft, and it is much easier for the generator manufactures to precision balance everything.

Just like spline PTO, threaded PTO, keyed PTO they are designed, and well suited for application in which they are intended.

Again you can use a generator engine on a cart and below area few options to make it cart ready.

  1. Spend $50-$100 to have the crank turned and keyed
  2. Spend $50-$100 for a keyed crank
  3. Weld a clutch or pulley to the shaft (not recommended)
And you will need to replace the carburetor, because they do not have a low speed idle jet or idle air passages. I found this out the hard way when I converted a 6hp briggs intex, snd couldn't get it to idle for crap, contacted briggs, and found that the carburetor's are indeed different and do not have a low idle circuit.
 
Doc Sprocket

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The carb thing is going to be on a case-by-case basis. I have cracked into a few that do indeed have the appropriate idle components.
 
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